Thousands of people flocked to Ely Cathedral today (Friday) for day one of its magnificent Christmas Gift and Food Fair.

The festive extravaganza was held for the first time last year but has quickly grown to become one of the city’s biggest Christmas events.

People from far and wide packed inside the ‘Ship of the Fens’ to discover it had been transformed into a winter wonderland of festive gifts and food.

Visitors were be able to browse more than 100 bespoke gift stalls and the Lady Chapel was home to a festive food hall where there was everything from specialist cheeses to locally brewed beverages on offer.

There were also seasonal cookery demonstrations, talks and Christmas music to get revellers into the festive spirit.

Lesley Ann Thompson, a spokeswoman for the cathedral, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic.

“We’ve had thousands of people through the door - it really is a special event that’s proving popular with both locals and people from across the country.”

The fair closes today at 4.30pm but will re-open from 6.30-8.30pm.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the fair will be open from 9.30am-4.30pm.

As well as the stalls, food hall and demonstrations, there were also be two reindeer - Dancer and Prancer - for families to meet tomorrow, as well as a vintage carousel.